Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Jan 1938

Vol. 69 No. 19

Standing Orders.

Parliamentary Secretary to the Taoiseach (Mr. Little)

I move:—

That the Standing Orders of Dáil Eireann relative to Public Business be amended as set out in the Schedule to the First Report (T.96) of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, dated 15th December, 1937.

I would like to take the opportunity in moving this to indicate that there is no change. There has been a good deal of misunderstanding about the changing of titles of Deputies. There is no change whatever under Standing Order 51. The terms "Deputy" and "Teachtai" remain just as before.

Mr. Dillon

Are we T.Ds. or C.Ds?

Mr. Little

We are T.Ds.

Mr. Smith

It all depends.

Mr. Dillon

I would like to ask another question. The Prime Minister is described in the Constitution as the Prime Minister. I take it that there is nothing in the Standing Orders which requires Deputies to use the word "Taoiseach" for "Prime Minister," and that when speaking English they can say "Prime Minister," and when speaking Irish they can use "Taoiseach." I take it that is the rule.

An Ceann Comhairle

Such is not the rule.

Mr. Dillon

Is not that in the Standing Orders?

An Ceann Comhairle

The term is "Taoiseach" in the Standing Orders.

Mr. Dillon

But he is described in the Constitution as "Prime Minister."

An Ceann Comhairle

He will be referred to as "Taoiseach" in the Dáil if the proposed amendments are agreed to.

Mr. Dillon

Let us get this straight. Do we now purport to amend the Constitution by Standing Order? When is the Prime Minister not a Prime Minister? Is it when you make a Standing Order?

Mr. Brennan

When he is outside the Constitution.

Mr. Little

These amended Standing Orders are for the practice of the House and they are arranged by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Committee adopted these rules some time ago and I am putting them to the House for sanction.

Mr. Dillon

Apparently we can call the Prime Minister by either name.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Standing Order says "Taoiseach".

Mr. Dillon

And the Constitution says "Prime Minister". I submit it is a case where you pay your money and take your choice.

Mr. Little

All parties were represented on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and they all agreed. This matter has been before the House since 17th December. Everybody was agreed that the Prime Minister or Premier, or whatever you like to call him, should in practice be called "Taoiseach."

Question agreed to.